Michigan narrowly defeated Western Michigan in a game marred by controversy over a disallowed late play and a contested Hail Mary, hinting at early-season struggles.

The finale controversy surrounding Michigan’s ending raises questions about officiating and replay reliability impacting early poll movement.

Michigan’s late-game dispute and close win could dampen voters’ sentiment, with potential downward movement from the preseason No. 16.

ESPN’s updated FPI rankings roll through Nos. 11–25, outlining how each team’s FPI score and position shift reflects the ongoing depth and movement across the college football landscape.

The preseason AP Top 25 is contrasted with Week 1 expectations, highlighting potential moves such as USC edging BYU for No. 14 and Michigan’s trajectory remaining uncertain.

FPI projections shift as national championship frontrunners are updated after Week 0, signaling shifts in which programs are considered legitimate title contenders.

Oregon earns acknowledgment for a shaky but steady September, with signs that they could improve as the season unfolds.

Lane Kiffin is depicted embracing a villain role, following Ole Miss’s dominant victory over Clemson and his comments on players and public perception.

Oregon rallied from an early deficit to beat Boise State, a 34–27 comeback that could signal the conference’s continued competitiveness at the top level.

Ohio State remains No. 1 after a dominant 56–3 win, with Georgia following at No. 2 after a strong performance and a standout rushing effort.

Texas rises to No. 4 after a commanding win, demonstrating depth on both sides of the ball ahead of a marquee showdown with Ohio State.

Georgia holds No. 5, leveraging a stout defense and a veteran offense led by Gunner Stockton.